They use to paint cars with lacquer and it was considered the best....But yeah clear lacquer over wood is a no no outdoors.
I have sprayed thousands of gallons of clear lacquer, growing up in a woodshop business family...then worked as an industrial painter for a while, and painted a bunch of cars. All back in my younger days....I have never used base coat /clear coat like on modern cars, but I am itching to try it....since both my vehicles need some paint work and I have the tools and shop.
I think I was attracted to spray painting lacquer as a kid in my parents business because it gives a hellish nice high!!
I can do some awesome house painting too, indoors or out. Or could anyways